Reply #44: So you've gone from saying the "it was only a joke" defense would

[ET Awful]

undoubtedly work to finding other defenses such as the "reasonable man" defense. . . it would seem to me that you've already accepted the fact that there is indeed a legitimate cause of action.

As to damages, even a single cancelled appearance as a result of her comment would qualify. Although harder to prove, there are other types of damages as well, such as future loss of earnings (i.e. if a potential syndicated outlet for his work fell through as a result, etc.).

I've seen cases not entirely dissimilar to this be decided for the plaintiff on several occasions. None were of a national scope, they involved local personalities and public statements in towns I lived in in California.